Page 52 of Private Exhibit
Devon hesitated for only a second. “Yes.”
“Do you want me to drive you? Or would you rather I come get you once you're ready? Actually,” Andy suddenly added before Devon could respond. “How about I walk you? We'll stop at your favorite tree along the way.”
Devon blushed even as his chest swelled with joy. “Yeah?”
“Yeah,” Andy murmured.
Devon couldn't get out of there fast enough.
“Do you want to leave these here?” Andy asked, pointing at the vase of flowers. “Or take them home?”
Devon hesitated. He wanted them to be there on the desk when he got back to work next week, but he also didn't want to go a day without seeing them.
Of course, he also didn't want to risk dropping them.
Andy eyed him for a moment, then picked up the vase. “Daddy's got it,” he murmured. He held out his free hand, giving Devon a smile.
They walked, holding hands, all the way back to Devon's apartment, stopping only to admire the jacaranda tree. Devon'swhole body felt like it was buzzing with nerves and excitement. It was all he could do to greet Oliver and then put his lunch bag away.
Then he had to concentrate on packing an overnight bag, trying to remember everything he might need.
Oh hells. He was going to have to pack a diaper, just to be safe.
Devon blew out a heavy breath, then almost slammed the dresser drawer shut before yanking it back open, snatching out a diaper, and stuffing it into the bottom of his bag.
He double-checked that he had everything and that his room was tidy before he picked up the bag and walked out to the living area.
Andy and Oliver stood by the dining table, talking softly. They both stopped when Devon approached. Andy shifted the vase of flowers from one arm to the other and gave Devon a smile. “Ready?”
Devon nodded.
Andy pulled out his phone. “I'll get the car here,” he said, tapping at something on the screen as he stepped aside.
Oliver eyed Andy, then quietly asked, “You've got your phone, right? And you feel safe with him?” When Devon nodded, Oliver let out a tiny sigh and gave him a nod in return. “Good. That's all I need to know. But if you need anything at all, or if you want me to come get you–” He broke off with a wry smile. “I made him give me his address.”
Devon breathed a laugh. “Thanks, Oli.” He paused. “I don't have to go if–”
“Oh hells no,” Oliver interrupted him. “Don't even say it. I'll be just fine. You deserve this.” He gave Devon a crooked smile. “Go have fun, alright? Promise me.”
Devon smiled back. “Alright. I promise.”
“Good.” Oliver gave him a quick hug. “And tell Hayden thanks for the invite, but…”
“Will do,” Devon told him when Oliver trailed off, knowing what the boy would have said: that he wasn't up for being social yet. Not so soon after everything that happened.
“Car's here,” Andy announced.
“Go,” Oliver said with a laugh, shooing them out the door.
Devon gave him another hug, then followed Andy to the elevator. “What were you guys talking about?”
Andy chuckled. “He was just making sure I knew how to take care of you. And told me that he'd hunt me down and kill me if I did anything to hurt you.”
“Oh.” Devon almost laughed, except he knew Oliver meant it. Considering what the boy had done in the name of seeking revenge for Dannika, Devon knew Oliver had it in him.
“Hey.” Andy touched his cheek. “Everything is gonna be fine.”
Devon couldn't help smiling at that. Hearing Andy say it made it sound like any other outcome was impossible.
